Diabetes is a metabolic disorder arising mainly due to fault in the production of insulin or mounting resistance to its action. In the case of diabetes, the most serious problem is the side effect, which occurs due to the accumulation of glucose. This excess glucose is converted into various compounds and also into free radicals, which damage the vital organs and organelles.

Diabetes was seriously underrated as a threat to global public health until very recently. Today, Diabetes now ranks as one of the greatest public health challenges in the history of humanity. In 2013 there were 382 million people with diabetes, or 8.3% of the global population. By 2035, this number will be 10.1%, equal to almost 600 million people worldwide, according to our recent report “Diabetes: Herbal Bioactive Molecules Vs. Pharmaceutical Drugs-Volume 1: Cinnamon-Global Markets, Competitors And Opportunities, 2014-2019 Analysis And Forecasts.”

Economic Implications
Diabetes has a very large economic impact. For example, in the U.S., the cost of diagnosed diabetes in 2012 is estimated at $245 billion, including $176 billion in direct medical costs. In 2013, the average diabetes-related expenditures per person in the U.S. were $9,800.

Globally, per capita diabetes-related expenditures in 2013 were $1,436. Further, the global market for diabetes medications is estimated at approximately $45 billion in 2013 and is growing 10.5% annually overall, with insulin sales increasing at a 14.2% CAGR.

Treatment & Management
The currently available anti-diabetic drugs manage blood glucose levels under the normal range by supplementing insulin, improving insulin sensitivity, increasing insulin secretion from the pancreas, decreasing glucose absorption from the intestinal tract and/or glucose uptake by tissue cells.

Today, the management of diabetes without any side effect is still a challenge to medical practitioners. However, a wide array of plant-derived active principles has demonstrated anti-diabetic activity. These natural medicines modulate blood sugar levels through a variety of mechanisms. In some cases their effects are similar to conventional medicines.

This report looks at the use of medicinal plants, rather than pharmaceutical drugs, to both prevent and treat diabetes.

Specifically, it looks in detail at one of these plants: cinnamon. Cinnamon is widely used and available and the market for it is well developed. The modern literature shows the potential anti-diabetic properties of cinnamon have been studied for more than 20 years.

Numerous trials have been conducted in humans to determine the metabolic effects of cinnamon. A main mechanism of action focuses on cinnamon’s ability to promote insulin signaling. The combined effects of cinnamon are an increase in insulin sensitivity. It also increases the amount of insulin receptors thus enhancing cellular glucose uptake. Increased glycogen biosynthesis also has been observed, as well as the activation of transcription factors.

Market Outlook
Global production of cinnamon is forecast to rise 15% annually in value, and 6% annually in volume, between 2014 and 2019. The report provides the following additional information:

• A detailed look at the diabetes market, including its incidence by country now and during the next 20 years, economic impacts and costs by type, especially medications.

• Analysis of medicinal plants to manage diabetes, including experimental studies on the hypoglycemic activity and bioactive components of 66 plants.

• The potential of cinnamon for the management of diabetes, including its biological effects, molecular mechanisms of action and clinical studies.

• Analysis of the global market for cinnamon, including production, imports, exports and traders.

Additionally, profiles of 45 leading, public and private companies involved in the Cinnamon industry as producers, distributors and retailers are given. The report, which also includes 30 tables and 50 figures, costs $1,950.

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Amadee Bender has 35 years experience in market research and competitive analysis across many industries and products in the Health and Technology sectors. He also taught at the university level for 25 years, most recently as an assistant professor in the School of Management at New York Institute of Technology. For further information: 305-450-1875; amadeeandcompany@gmail.com.